Experiencing LIFE Today - July 4, 2014

Let no one ever come to you without leaving better and happier. Be the living expression of God's kindness: kindness in your face, kindness in your eyes, kindness in your smile. — Mother Teresa

I met a kid playing basketball some time ago. He was new and I noticed him – mostly because he was so much younger than the rest of us there. As we were wrapping up the game, he said he wouldn’t be back next week – he had to get the kids to school.

He – a kid – had to get kids to school.

It turns out that he was a Christian. When newly wed, he and his wife decided to take in two teenage kids who were struggling. One had special needs and the other was having a difficult time. Neither was in an environment that nurtured their growth and health, so this young man and his wife decided to take them in.

“Wow!” I said, after he shared how the kids were excelling. “What do you want to do with your life?”

“Well, I love these kids to death. They’re beautiful kids. I want to get these kids through high school and then I want to go to med school.”

A young man putting dreams on hold because he’s in love with two struggling teens?

That’s evidence of the indwelling Christ. And when you start recognizing this truth – that Christ indwells us – you start seeing the life of Christ in people all around you.

They are willing to put dreams aside so they can care for others.

They are willing to let go of time and resources so that one more person’s needs

might be met.

They are willing to let go of the temporal in order to experience Christ.

They are heroes – both sung and unsung throughout history.

And yet, for those who bow their knee to Jesus, we know it’s not really them at all. No, not them, but Christ in them – dancing, and serving, and loving others just as He can do through us all.

He Who is Greater, I want to do what Your Spirit does, love as Your Spirit loves, sacrifice as Your Son sacrificed. I want my life to matter to someone other than myself. I can’t do this, but You can. Because You’ve grafted me into Your life and Your Kingdom, I ask that You will. Open my eyes to see what You see. Live through me today as a living expression of who You are, Jesus. Amen.

To thank you for helping even more listeners experience Life in Jesus Christ, we want to send you a CD copy of Jill’s message, Weathering the Storms of Life. Its encouraging teaching reminds you God is in control and has a plan for your life – no matter what suffering comes your way. So please request your copy of Weathering the Storms of Life as our thanks for your gift below, which will be doubled by the $100,000 Matching Grant. God bless you for your generosity!